True, his hair is now a bit shorter at the back but he is still sporting that emblematic moustache - albeit, at 48, it is trimmed and turning grey - and still has the same slim figure.

None the less, Bazarevich is these days one of the most well-respected Russian coaches, and no longer that skinny point guard with the instantly recognisable posture and almost unorthodox, but extremely effective, playing style.

Krasnye Krylia's coach has more experience of big international games than any other participant in Sunday's final, including his opposite number at Karsiyaka and former Turkish international, Ufuk Sarica.

He has played at two Olympic Tournaments, two World Championships and two EuroBaskets and has one silver medal from each of the last two competitions to show for it.

Bazarevich's playing career at club level spanned almost two decades and took him to five countries outside Russia, including Turkey where he suited up for Yildirim, Tofas Bursa and Türk Telekom.

It's more than safe to assume he has a very good idea of what his players should expect when they enter a deafeningly loud, packed with 5,000-plus local fans Karsiyaka Arena on Sunday.

"You know, we understand this and probably it's even better like that," Bazarevich offers.

"I mean, obviously they have an advantage because it's their fans and they get this energy from them.

"But to play in a final where it's not like that and nobody seems to care, would be even worse.

"We will see during the game [if it affects us] but I think we have experienced players who know how to play, so I believe we will get through this."

There are plenty of things the Samara coach likes about Karsiyaka, beyond the atmosphere in their home arena, and he is not short on praise for the Turkish finalists.

"They have talent, a very good scoring point guard [Robert Dixon] who also runs the team well and creates a lot [for his team-mates]," Bazarevich admits.

"Then they have athletic bigs and a good inside presence, especially with [William] Thomas and good shooters, their three-point percentage is even amazing I would say."

There is one more vital ingredient that Bazarevich sees in his side's opponents.

"Karsiyaka have a group of supporting players who really enjoy their basketball," he explains.

"I know how it is for them, I've played in Turkey and I know how the Turkish players really get this energy from the crowd.

"But here, we have a chance to win the title and that is something else.

"If you step on the floor, you want to win; why did we work so hard to get here and play in the final otherwise?"